Monday, April 7, 2014

The ASPCA has designated April 8 as National Dog Fighting Awareness Day to advance the conversation about dog fighting and to encourage animal lovers acress the country to take action against this brutal form of animal cruelty.

Dog fighting is defined by many as a "blood sport." It is a felony in the United States, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands. In addition, the US Animal Welfare Act makes it unlawful for any person to knowingly sell, buy, possess, train, transport, deliver or receive any dog for the purposes of having the dog participate in an animal fighting venture.

Although other breeds of dogs are used for dog fighting around the world, the American Pit Bull Terrier is the most popular in the US according to the ASPCA. They estimate tens of thousands of people are involved in dog fighting.

Because of the cruelty involved, I can barely think about dog fighting, let alone write about it. I've been featuring adoptable dogs on Talking Dogs blog every Sunday for 7 years now -many of them Pit Bulls - from primarily three shelters and rescues in Missouri. Stray Rescue of St Louis is one of these.

Photo courtesy StrayRescue.org

Stray Rescue is very well acquainted with the victims of dog fighting. In fact, because of their experience and success in medically and behaviorally rehabilitating dogs who have suffered severe trauma, last month they were one of the rescues chosen to take in seven dogs from a large dogfighting ring bust in Louisiana. Aptly called, precious cargo, three scarred and injured males, plus an emaciated momma dog with three pups, arrived at Stray Rescue one month ago today. Now they'll receive the second chance they deserve.

This handsome boy is Reliable. He's a 40 pound Pit Bull mix dog and about 18 months old. Reliable's rescuers found him sitting near a trash pile, obviously dumped there. He was hungry, dirty, and looked like he was waiting for someone to come back for him.

After rescue, Reliable was found to be partially deaf, therefore he does need a little extra attention to make sure he knows what's going on and what is expected of him.

According to Stray Rescue shelter staff and volunteers:

Everybody who has met Reliable has fallen in love with him. They all find him to be sweet, gorgeous, affectionate and eager to please. He doesn't let his hearing hinder his activities. Recently he has been on two five-mile hikes with his shelter buddies. He loved every minute. On the way to the hikes, he rode quietly in the back seat of the cars amusing himself with toys or looking out the window. He was also known to sneak in a quick kiss for the driver. Reliable was a great hiker who enjoyed smelling everything he could in nature. He did very well on the leash, didn't tire on the hike, and didn't react to the other dogs around him.

As a young dog, Reliable is at the perfect age for training. He loves people and willingly learns from them. He will need some special training because of his hearing loss, but he has already shown that he is capable of living a good life even without perfect hearing. Reliable is well loved at the shelter, and everyone wants him to have a very special home. Could that home be yours? Reliable is hoping so.

Founded by Randy Grim, Stray Rescue of St Louis sole purpose is to rescue stray animals in need of medical attention, restore them to health, and place them in loving adoptive homes. Virtually all of the pets they save have been abused and neglected. Stray Rescue is a no-kill organization that believes rescued animals often make the best pets. Given a second lease on life and in return for a little affection and attention, these remarkable animals reward their new owners with a love and loyalty unmatched anywhere.

Great info on the subject. I was very happy to be a part of this hop today. So important and all these pups definitely need someone to speak for them. So I think we are doing a pretty good job. This disgusting "sport" needs to end :(ღ husky hugz ღ frum our pack at Love is being owned by a husky!

Aww, its so sad that some dogs are deaf. Reliable is a hansom pup!We entered the hop with Lyric and Cutler, both pure bred pitty's.Have a pawsome day!❀Siamese Smothers and Tuxie Tickles❀ from Mikko and Jax at Happiness is Siamese!